Kochi Metro awaits Centre’s nod for second phase
KOCHI: The second phase of Kochi Metro, the extension of metro services to Infopark via Kakkanad, approved in 2018 by state government is yet to get the green signal from the central government.
Hopeful of getting the Centre’s nod, KMRL has already launched preparatory works, including widening of the Seaport-airport Road, along the stretch. The metro phase 2 work is estimated to cost Rs25.57 billion. French Development Agency AFD, which provided funds for phase 1, has agreed to fund phase 2 in-principle.
As per the plan, there will be 11 stations in the extension from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, including Palarivattom Junction, Palarivattom Signal, Chembumukku, Vazhakkala, Kunnumpuram, Kakkanad Junction, Cochin Special Economic Zone (CSEZ), Chittethukara, Rajagiri, Infopark I and Infopark II.
The delay for Centre’s clearance for the proposal, submitted by the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) under phase 2 of the metro project, is attributed to the laxity on the part of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. “During the first phase, all the proceedings were carried out with lightning speed under the supervision of then chief minister Oommen Ch andy. clearance from the public investment board (PIB) was accorded after several discussions with union ministers. The first phase up to Palarivattom was commissioned in record time. However, in the second phase, the state government seems to have failed in maintaining the momentum,” alleged Hibi Eden who represents Ernakulam in the parliament.
Urban Development Minister Hardeep Singh Puri who visited Kochi last year as part of the commissioning of metro services to Thykoodam, had hinted that second phase of Kochi Metro would soon get sanction.
Earlier, the Centre had suggested Light Metro for Kakkanad instead of the metro line. However, KMRL had informed the state government and the Centre that it would not be feasible. It had also submitted a revised detailed project report (DPR) for the Kakkanad extension in 2018, following the renewed Metro Rail Policy of the Union government.
The revolutionary decision to offer jobs to the transgender community members by Kochi Metro failed to keep them on rolls after three years. Most of the 23-member group employed through self help group Kudumbasree have quit owing to various reasons, including lack of viable accommodation facilities in Kochi and low pay. “KMRL employs over 700 women staff. Of the 23 transgender persons hired in the first phase, only six are working now,” said Ragaranjini, one of the transgender employees. There are 11 transgenders working with KMRL now and a total of 650 women staff, according to a spokesperson. The transgenders were appointed in several departments ranging from ticketing to housekeeping.